Trunk Show

For the next couple of weeks, we will be featuring the The Handmade Dress Trunk Show in the shop. Designer Samantha Caffee has sent five precious garments for us to share with our customers. Her patterns are designed for the novice sewer, or those that want something quick and easy! The sizes range from 3 months to 16 years, depending on pattern style.

Just a reminder...Easter is April 4th! Time to start on those Easter outfits, if you haven't already!

Mary's Helpful Hints

Even though it is a rainy day, we are beginning to think of spring. I saw red bud trees blooming as I drove through the garden district the other day. I have always felt that they are a sign that spring is around the corner.


Soon we will be pulling out spring clothes, trying them on our children, and seeing what fits, what can be passed down, what needs mending, and what can be recycled. But what about those stains that were not there last year? MYSTERY SPOTS! They were not there when I put them away!Never fear, most stains can be removed without the use of scissors to cut them out!

My favorite products for presoaking and cleaning are:



SODIUM PERBORATE, a natural oxidizer, will remove stains from baby clothes (what is that yellow stain around the neck?), food stains, mystery stains, etc. . Use as a presoak.


BRITE WHITE, a gentle laundry agent that is safe for all fabrics. It is gentle enough for delicates and strong enough for all laundry. It can can also be used as a presoak and a spot remover. Just spot the stain directly and let sit a couple of hours, and then wash in BRITE WHITE. You will be amazed!


Where can you get these? Does this sound like an infomercial? Of course you can get both of these at THE SMOCK SHOPPE!

Tell us about the stain you removed with these two products!

Stop and smell the flowers!

Mary

New for Spring

Trisha's Treasures Patterns is a new line of patterns in the shop. They are sweet, classic styles and range in sizes from 1 to 12, depending on the pattern. Currently, there are three pattern styles in the line.

NEW FABRICS

Here's a peek at some of the new fabrics you will see on your next visit to shop. Come in or order early to get yours!

All three of these prints have coordinating pieces. I think this blue and lime piece would be precious in the new Trisha's Treasures "Ella" with our lime pique as the accent bands!

The pink and blue pique bunny fabric that was so popular last year is also back! There's also a very cute primary color cars print on white pique. I can't wait to make a "Luke" shirt for my little guy out of it!

Don't forget about the classes that are on the current schedule....check back a few posts. There are still a few openings.

Happy Sewing!

Mary's Helpful Hints

Have you ever made a mistake in your smocking and found it after you have tied off that row and moved on to another row before you caught it?

Here's the solution: Turn the work upside down and carefully cut the knot from the incorrect row, and even more carefully pull out the stitches past the mistake until you have enough thread to tie off that row. Replace the corrected stitches with a new thread, connecting to the existing row. Always join a new thread at a cable so that the knots will not show. If you have already removed the gathering threads before you are able to correct the mistake, you can follow the placement by putting in the new stitch as you remove one old stitch.


Thank you so much for the great reception for our blog. Your response has been overwhelming, and we are grateful to each of you for your support of the shop and your caring through the years. I feel as if you are a part of my family.

Mary

Mama Mary's Helpful Hints

Many sewing and needlework questions arise when no one is around to answer them for you. "Mama Mary" is here to do just that! We would like for you to send us your questions. Mary will be answering these questions and providing other helpful hints on the blog. Look for the first installment on Tuesday's blog!

The Perfect Valentine's Present!

If you're thinking about a new machine, we hope you will come see us! This is the perfect time of year to treat yourself to something that will provide you with years of sewing. The Smock Shoppe is an authorized Elna machine dealer. We carry sewing and embroidery machines, as well as sergers.

To see the full line of Elna machines go to: http://www.elnausa.com/. We look forward to helping you or your someone special with your next machine purchase. Come see how easy sewing can be on an Elna!



Happy Sewing!